Thin Dense Chrome

Thin Dense Chrome offers a number advantages over standard Hard Chrome.


Advantages of Thin Dense Chrome

  • Harder with enhanced wear resistance (hardness approximately. 1050-1150 Vickers or 70 Rockwell C)
  • Greater corrosion protection
  • Satin or bright finish options available
     

Chromium deposits with low microcrack densities have microcracks that are longer and tend to extend to the substrate. In chromium deposits with a higher microcrack count, the microcracks are shorter and shallower, providing superior protection to the substrates under corrosive conditions.

These extra qualities make Thin Dense Chrome ideally suited for use with hydraulic rams. If the hydraulic ram operates in dirty or hostile environments, this hard chrome process inhibits dirt from lodging in seals maintaining the integrity of the ram.


Thin Dense Chrome can also be used when a standard chrome is specified for your substrate:

  • Pre & Post
  • Hard Chrome Services


At United Hard Chrome we often provide other services before and after chrome plating.

  • Abrasive blasting
  • Buffing and polishing
  • Centerless Grinding (w/ hard chrome process)
  • Centerless Belt-sanding
    • +/- .001
    • 8 - 10 micro finish
    • 20 ft. capacity
    • 3,500 lbs
    • 1.5" - 14" diameter
  • Acid Stripping
  • Dot Welding
  • HELI-Arc
  • Fabricating
  • Machining


What is Hard Chrome?

Hard chrome is a rugged, durable plating that resists corrosion and wear. It is applied by using chromic acid through an electrolytic process. Manufacturing, molding, mining, agricultural and chemical industries rely on hard chrome. Hard chrome is applied by using chromic acid through an electrolytic process.Chromium metal adheres to the product's surface in thicknesses as small as "ten thousandths" of an inch (.0001).


Conforming Anodes

With such a vast diversity of parts that must be plated for our customers, United Hard Chrome gives unparalleled attention to detail and quality. We maximize plating efficiency and consistent chromium thicknesses improve by a precise conforming anode to cathode ratio-imperative.

At United Hard Chrome, we specialize in  OEM and retrofit applications intended to significantly extend the life of parts subject to friction, corrosion and wear.

Hard chromed products have been proven to last up to 10 times longer than non plated parts in hostile or high demand production environments. Extending a products life with continued operational reliability saves money, time and labor. Equipment or parts operating in corrosive or high temperature environments benefit from hard chrome.


Substrates

The hard chrome plating possesses at United Hard Chrome can be applied to a wide variety of materials which are called substrates.

  • Steel
  • Stainless Steel
  • Cast Iron
  • Copper Alloys
  • Bronzes


Corrosion Resistant

Hard chrome does not corrode. Hard chrome plated equipment produces a bright luster exterior finish. Listed below are various solutions or hostile environments which hard chrome plating extends equipment life and improves equipment performance.

  • Brine
  • Organic acids
  • Gases
  • Oils
  • Sugar
  • Cyanides
  • Fruit acids
  • Molten glass
  • Glue
  • Dairy products
  • Fuels
  • Brewing (malts, hops)


Hard Chrome resists abrasion because of its excellent lubricity properties and significantly extends the product or parts life. Therefore hydraulic rams, valves, bearings, pumps, cylinders and moving parts found in manufacturing and production equipment are big users of Hard chrome. Many of our customers apply hard chrome to new equipment or when the equipment is ready for retrofitting or repair.